Undergraduate - UnitMID3202 - Supporting the newborn infant

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2013 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

Synopsis

The unit will prepare students with the theoretical knowledge and skills to assess, examine and initiate emergency management on the newborn infant. Anatomy and physiology relating to the newborn infant and human lactation will be explored. Students will develop an understanding of multidisciplinary care and collaborative practice in the management of sick newborn infants in a Level II Nursery. In addition, students will critically analyze all nutritional choices for well and sick babies and develop an understanding of the socio-cultural elements surrounding the care of newborn and their families.

Outcomes

Critically examine the social-cultural context in the provision of care to babies and their families in Australia and globally;

Examine the changes in anatomy and physiology of the fetus and newborn infant and describe successful adaptation to the extrauterine environment;

Describe the anatomy and physiology of the human female breast and process of lactation;

Apply strategies which promote and protect breast feeding;

Explore the nutritional choices available and the factors that impact upon women's decision making regarding feeding their babies;

Identify normal variations in the newborn period and provide appropriate management strategies;

Demonstrate knowledge and skills in resuscitating and stabilising a baby;

Identify the circumstances and conditions that may necessitate admission of a baby to a Level Two nursery

Evaluate the Level Two Nursery environment and its impact upon the woman, her baby and family;

Utilise the clinical decision making process to demonstrate evidence-based knowledge and understanding of the care required by the baby and the family;

Demonstrate an appreciation of the family's need for privacy, dignity and respect, as well as their right to be informed and to make decisions regarding care of their baby;

Demonstrate the ability to practice within a multidisciplinary team in an environment of complexity;

Implement evidence-based holistic care for women, babies and their families across the childbearing process;

Demonstrate midwifery competency based upon the ANMC National Competency Standards for Midwives.+ Critically examine the social-cultural context in the provision of care to babies and their families in Australia and globally.